Honey is being used to cure various health ailments since ages now. This miraculous kitchen ingredient also provides relief in many respiratory problems and asthma is one of them. It has antioxidant properties, which are quite beneficial in this respiratory problem. Every year, the 7th of May is observed as the World Asthma Day. The whole month is dedicated to creating awareness about the disease and educating people about it.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, which affects the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by inflammation in the bronchial tubes and production of mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. It hits millions of people every year. It causes problems like breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and might even lead to an attack. Apart from the various medications prescribed for this condition, people often turn to home remedies. One of the most popular remedies is the usage of honey. It is either taken orally mixed with some other ingredients or by inhalation.
Asthma and Honey
Honey is folk medicine widely used to treat this disease. This natural ingredient is known to help in relieving its symptoms or even curing it, but the question is it really effective?
The sweetness of honey produces more saliva in the salivary glands. This saliva lubricates the airways, allows the flow of air and eases the cough. It is therefore known as the cough suppressant.
Honey may also reduce inflammation caused in the airways of the lungs and helps in removing the mucus that obstructs breathing. It also helps in clearing up the chest congestion.
Ways to use honey for asthma
Honey and Water: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 cup of hot water and consume this mixture at least twice a day. It can help to remove mucus from the bronchial tubes and provide relief.
Honey with Fenugreek Seeds and Ginger Juice: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and in the morning add them to a cup of water along with the ginger juice and a few drops of honey. This drink will detoxify your lungs and clears up the mucus which in turn will reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
Honey and Turmeric: This classic method of mixing honey and turmeric together can help you fight breathlessness. Consume this mixture twice a day for the best results.
Verdict
The researches conducted over the years have proven that honey is a better suppressant than diphenhydramine or dextromethorphan, which are the important ingredients in all the cough suppressants.
It is either taken orally or is inhaled. Inhaling honey has also proven to effectively remove mucus-secreting goblet cells hyperplasia, which blocks the airways of the lungs. The results about its ability to fully cure asthma are mixed. So, it is safe to say that honey can help to relieve the symptoms of asthma, but its ability to cure it is quite skeptical.
The other important fact that should be taken care of while using honey for asthma is allergic reactions. It can cause opposite effects if you are allergic to bee stings or pollen.
